The Belt and Road Initiative focuses on building significant infrastructure projects across Asia, Europe, and Africa. Officially launched by China’s President Xi in 2013, it is already considered the largest investment program in history, accounting for more than $500 billion USD[1] of spend in infrastructure projects across more than 70 countries[2].

The initiative encompasses a vast range of infrastructure projects connecting countries that account for over 60 percent of the global population along six different economic corridors and one maritime route[3]. The immense scale of BRI presents a unique set of opportunities – and risks – for global investors and asset managers.

“As Belt and Road reshapes global commerce and China continues to internationalize, being able to unlock the investment opportunities and navigate the risks they present, is crucial for the financial community,” said David Craig, CEO, Refinitiv. “At Refinitiv, we believe the financial community has a significant role to play in allocating capital to high quality infrastructure that will make a difference in raising living standards and sustainably supporting the planet’s growing population. The Belt and Road initiative (BRI) is an important example of where that role is vital.”

“The Belt and Road Initiative is not a China-only story. For its impact to match its unprecedented ambitions, transparent information has an important role to play in driving global investment” said SirGerry Grimstone, Chairman, Barclays Bank PLC. “Refinitiv’s BRI Connect platform is at the very heart of this important project data ecosystem, enabling investors to de-risk Belt and Road projects and find those that are bankable, affordable and sustainable.”

About Refinitiv

Refinitiv is one of the world’s largest providers of financial markets data and infrastructure, serving over 40,000 institutions in over 190 countries. It provides leading data and insights, trading platforms, and open data and technology platforms that connect a thriving global financial markets community - driving performance in trading, investment, wealth management, regulatory compliance, market data management, enterprise risk and fighting financial crime.